Cryoanalgesia Device SL2000

In recent years however, prolonged pain relief has been observed following cryosurgery, lasting far longer than the transient relief brought about by simple cooling.

The development of special cryo probes enabled the targeted application of the freezing effect on pain of peripheral nerves. The Joule Thomson effect principle is used, meaning that the gas is forced through a small opening then expands and cools under pressure.

Basic principle of cryoanalgesia is the exact localisation of the affected nerve by visual control and electrical stimulation. A two minute icing of approx. – 65° C follows. Histologically, freezing causes disintegration of the nerve axon and break down of the myelin sheath but leaves the connective tissue intact. Over time, the nerve is able to regenerate along its original pathway and normal performance returns.

The nerve is anesthetised for some months or longer but it is not destroyed. The patient is pain free, further treatment to stabilise the back muscles like physiotherapy can be done, in order to prevent pain-releasing deterioration process. Treatment of the secondary pain is only sensible after interruption of the primary pain.

When the anaesthesia fades, the irritation is often settled and no further treatments are required. A new treatment is possible at any time without any risk for the patient.

Main indication for this method is therapy resisting, chronicle pain in the spine area, most frequently lumbar facet syndrome.